With St. Patrick’s Day right around the corner, I am thrilled to be able to enjoy my heritage on the grandest of stages with friends and family, and to also enjoy some of my favorite dishes and drinks.
It is with some regularity that I enjoy a pint of Guinness, that is a given. What is less common, is a Blacksmith. This is half Smithwick’s (pronounced “SMITH-icks” or “SMITT-icks”), an Irish Ale, and half Guinness draught stout. This is not to be confused with a Black and Tan, half Bass Ale and Guinness. The mis-speaking of either one, depending on your location, could be the difference between getting served and not.
The cuisine of Ireland, which most people think is merely potatoes and boiled meats, is surprisingly flavorful. For instance, Bacon Wrapped Roasted Salmon with a Parsley sauce accompanied by Champ (creamy mashed potatoes with freshly chopped scallions).
I also enjoy brown bread. That is a spin on Irish soda bread except that it is made with whole wheat flour, cracked oats and a touch of honey.
A wonderful apple-parsnip soup is a great lunch on a soggy Saturday afternoon. Accompanied by the brown bread, and I am in Food Heaven.
One of my favorite desserts is of Irish origin. Irish Fool is a very simple and delicious dessert of puréed fruit and whipped cream. You typically fold half of your fruit purée, usually berries, into the whipped cream, and layer, alternately into a stemmed glass. Have that with an Irish Coffee, and that makes for a wonderful conclusion to a great Irish meal.
“Only Irish Coffee provides in a single glass all four essential food groups: alcohol, caffeine, sugar, fat.”
Sláinte (To your health in Gaelic)